How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews
Thai · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This pineapple fried rice with cashews is a vibrant and tropical dairy free dinner that balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors beautifully. It is a complete meal on its own and comes together in a single wok in under 25 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, day-old preferred
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 0.75 cup roasted cashews
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 3 whole eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 stalks green onions, sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Heat a large wok over high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them quickly for about 1 minute until just set. Push them to the side of the wok.
Step 2: Fry the Rice
Add another tablespoon of oil to the empty side of the wok and add the day-old rice. Press it flat and let it fry undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a lightly crispy bottom, then toss everything together.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce
Push the rice to the sides and add the diced pineapple to the center of the wok. Let it caramelize for 2 minutes before tossing with the rice. Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything to combine.
Step 4: Finish with Cashews and Onions
Remove the wok from heat and fold in the roasted cashews and sliced green onions. Serve immediately for the best texture, as the cashews will soften over time.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh pineapple → canned pineapple chunks, drained well, as a convenient option
- cashews → roasted peanuts or macadamia nuts for a different crunch
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using freshly cooked warm rice causes it to clump and turn mushy in the wok
- Cooking on medium heat instead of high heat means the rice will not develop the signature smoky wok flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 14g protein, 62g carbs, 16g fat, 4g fiber.
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